Byline: Sherri Buri McDonald The Register-Guard

Continuing its downward trend, Lane County's jobless rate dropped to 5.7 percent in April, down from 6.2 percent in March and from 8.4 percent in April 2005.

A decreasing rate is typical at this time of year, when the weather gets

"We're pretty much just seeing our seasonal ups and downs for the past few months," said Brian Rooney, a regional economist with the state Employment Department.

When the figures are seasonally adjusted, the rate is essentially unchanged from 5.6 percent in March to 5.7 percent in April, Rooney said.

"There hasn't been a whole lot of movement in either direction," he said.

Prospects look good for summer hiring, Rooney said.

The jobless rate has fallen steadily in the past couple of years, Rooney said.

"It's remaining at - for this area- a relatively low rate, which is an indication that (local) labor markets may be tightening, which should mean more opportunities for someone looking for a temporary or part-time job," Rooney said.

In April, 10,034 people were unemployed in Lane County, down 801 from March, and by 1,078 from April 2005, department data showed.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 600 in April, due to small gains in a range of industries. It was 1,900 higher than April 200, for an annualized gain of 1.3 percent.

Manufacturing held steady in April, down 200 from April 2005 because of job losses in wood products and other durable goods - a category that includes RV manufacturing, chemical manufacturing and food processing.

Construction gained 200, for a total of 7,400 jobs; professional and business services added 100 jobs and leisure and hospitality added 200 jobs.

Retail added 100 jobs, as did private education and health services. Government lost 300 jobs in April.